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Speaker Joe Straus Appoints Tom Luce to Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee
Posted on May 18, 2012 by TeamStraus

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus today announced his appointment of Dallas attorney and business consultant Tom Luce to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee. Luce will serve on the committee until 2015.

Luce was a founding partner and managing partner of the law firm of Hughes & Luce, LLP until his retirement from the firm in 1997. The firm grew from four attorneys to more than 150 during his tenure, and it is now part of the worldwide firm K&L Gates. Luce is currently self-employed as a business consultant.

Luce has been appointed five times by Texas governors to important posts such as Chief Justice Pro Tempore of the Texas Supreme Court and Chairman of the Texas Superconducting Supercollider Commission. He has served on the Dallas Citizens Council, the Library of Congress Trust Fund and the Board of Trustees at Southern Methodist University.

His life’s passion has been improving public education for all children. He was chief of staff to the Texas Select Committee on Public Education, which produced one of the country’s first public school reform efforts in 1984. A former Assistant U.S. Secretary of Education, he is the Chairman of the National Math and Science Initiative and co-founded the National Center for Educational Accountability.

“Tom Luce will be a valuable addition to this important state governing board,” Speaker Straus said. “He brings experience from both the public and private sectors and will make a meaningful contribution to Texas’ fight against cancer.”

Luce also has a personal connection to the Oversight Committee’s work. Pam, his wife of 52 years, is a breast cancer survivor.

“I look forward to working with the other commissioners to ensure the funds provided for this worthy project are used efficiently and are effectively based upon the best available scientific input,” Luce said.

The Oversight Committee was created by the 80th Legislature and approved by Texas voters in 2007. It serves as the governing body of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which awards grants to expedite innovation in cancer research, help bring lifesaving cancer products to Texans and expand cancer prevention capabilities across the state.

The Speaker appoints three of the 11 members who serve on the CPRIT Oversight Committee.  Luce succeeds Cindy Brinker Simmons of Dallas whose term expired.  Simmons served on the Oversight Committee since 2008.

San Antonio’s First Responders Stand Strong for Straus
Posted on May 15, 2012 by TeamStraus

Texans for Joe Straus today announced endorsements from several groups representing the brave men and women who serve as first responders in District 121. Among those announcing their endorsement of Joe Straus for reelection to the Texas House of Representatives are the San Antonio Police Officers Association (SAPOA), the San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners’ Association (SAFPPA) and the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association (SAPFFA).

“I am honored to have the endorsement of District 121’s bravest men and women and their families,” said Straus. “I am grateful for the tireless work of our community’s first responders and look forward to continuing to serve those who put their lives on the line for our safety each and every day.” …READ MORE

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Article: Keep Straus in House District 121
Posted on May 9, 2012 by TeamStraus

Keep Straus in House District 121
Express-News Editorial Board

To claim that Texas House Speaker Joe Straus is not a true conservative is as absurd as saying Johnny Cash wasn’t country enough.

Straus treats everyone, including philosophical foes, with respect. His tenure at the helm of the House has been marked by a welcome return of civility and open debate about Texas’ future.

Straus doesn’t indulge in scorched-earth tactics or retribution, but a commitment to fairness doesn’t detract from his conservative agenda. Straus legislates with a welcome attitude that puts Texas first. And that is an approach that this state and nation need now more than ever.

Since he became speaker, the San Antonio legislator has been under attack from mostly outside activists who question his conservative credentials. …READ MORE

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Chorus of Support for Straus Grows Stronger
Posted on May 9, 2012 by TeamStraus

Texans for Joe Straus today announced endorsements from several groups representing a wide variety of services and industries. Among those announcing their endorsement of Joe Straus for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives are the National Rifle Association’s Political Victory Fund (NRA), the Texas Travel Industry Association (TTIA), the Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA), the Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund, Inc. (AGFUND), and the political action committees of USAA, the Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA), the Boating Trades Association of Texas (BTAT) and the Texas Hospital Association (HOSPAC).

“I am thankful for the resounding support of so many groups and individuals who serve our community’s needs and represent our interests,” said Straus. “These associations and organizations are not just endorsing me, but also my style of leadership, which puts results ahead of rhetoric.” …READ MORE

Video: Results, Not Rhetoric
Posted on May 7, 2012 by TeamStraus

Tired of politicians acting like children? The new campaign commercial, “Results, Not Rhetoric” addresses just that.

Straus Endorsed by Texas Pro-Life Leaders
Posted on May 4, 2012 by TeamStraus

The Texas Alliance for Life and the Texans for Life Coalition today endorsed Joe Straus for re-election as State Representative from District 121. Both groups recognized the strong record of pro-life accomplishments of the 82nd Legislature under Straus’s leadership as Speaker of the House.

“Members of these important pro-life organizations are some of the most dedicated and passionate advocates at the Texas Capitol, and I am honored to have their endorsements of my leadership and our work to protect life,” said Speaker Joe Straus.

From Texans for Life Coalition:
Kyleen Wright, President of the Texans for Life Coalition, said: “As Speaker of the House, Joe Straus led in helping to pass some of the most sweeping pro-life legislation of the modern era. He kept his commitment to the unborn, and I enthusiastically endorse him knowing he can be trusted to defend the most fragile among us.”

From the Texas Alliance for Life:
Joe Pojman, Ph.D., Executive Director for the Texas Alliance for Life, said: “It is our view that Speaker Straus is well deserving of the support of pro-life voters in House District 121. Under his leadership as Speaker during the 82nd Legislature and the First Called Special Session, the Texas Legislature passed more pro-life legislation than in any other session in the history of Texas. He has articulated to us the same pro-life position on abortion as President Ronald Reagan and has acted on that position.”

Texas Alliance for Life’s President, Davida Stike, said, “Speaker Straus surpassed all of our expectations. His appointment of pro-life leaders to key committees resulted in strong, pro-life legislation being signed into law. We believe his record is worthy of our support. It is incumbent on the pro-life movement to be loyal to those elected officials who have been loyal to mothers and their unborn babies, and that certainly describes Speaker Straus.”

Video: Honoring Women in Our Lives
Posted on May 3, 2012 by TeamStraus

Honored to share the stage with Marlee Matlin at the Texas Council on Family Violence’s “Honoring Women in Our Lives” luncheon, which my wife Julie and I co-chaired.

Honoring Women in Our Lives Luncheon
Posted on May 3, 2012 by TeamStraus

Pleased to meet Marlee Matlin at the Texas Council On Family Violence’s “Honoring Women in Our Lives” Luncheon, which my wife Julie and I co-chaired today.

Straus Hires New Communications Team
Posted on May 2, 2012 by TeamStraus

Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) today announced the hiring of a new communications team, including Erin Daly, who most recently served as communications director for Congressman Doc Hastings (R-WA), and Jason Embry, who was the Austin American-Statesman’s Capitol Bureau Chief.

“I’m pleased to welcome Jason and Erin to the Capitol,” said Speaker Straus. “Jason’s insights into the legislative process and knowledge of both the issues and the Members themselves will serve not only my office, but also the State of Texas, well. Erin’s diverse media and messaging expertise will be essential to helping my office effectively communicate with the Legislature and the people of Texas about the important issues we address in the House.” …READ MORE

District 121 Business and Industry Leaders Stand Behind Straus
Posted on May 1, 2012 by TeamStraus

Texans for Joe Straus today announced the endorsement of San Antonio business leaders and associations. Among those announcing their endorsement of Joe Straus for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives are the San Antonio Tourism Council, the American Council of Engineering Companies – San Antonio (ACEC-SA), the political action committee of the San Antonio Restaurant Association, the San Antonio Apartment Association (SAAA) and the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR).

“I am honored to be recognized by my friends, neighbors and fellow citizens for my commitment to keeping our local economy strong and growing,” said Straus. “From the places we live and eat, to the businesses that serve our citizens, these endorsements represent the heart of our community and I am proud to serve their interests in the Texas House.” …READ MORE

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